The International Week of the Deaf promotes inclusion, education of deaf culture, and rights. It highlights the importance of sign language and other tools of communication for deaf individuals. It is crucial to enhance overall awareness of the deaf society and challenge the associated stigma around deaf people. The theme for 2025 is ‘No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights’.

Why it matters to adult social care and safeguarding:

By raising awareness of communication barriers deaf people encounter, it ensures deaf adults are not socially discriminated, isolated or deprived and that the necessary services can protect the individual from potential harm.

To find out more on the daily themes for this year’s Deaf Awareness Week, please visit International Week of Deaf People 2025 - World Federation of the Deaf.